Review: Brothers Karamazov (Wordsmyth Theatre)
By Ryan Kerr
A powerful all-female cast and artful use of the Odyssey Studio make for a great interpretation of the Brothers Karamazov
My mom and I went to see the all-female cast of Brothers Karamazov Saturday evening at the Odyssey Studio at 636 Pape Avenue. Once we located the venue and settled into our seats we realized that we had no idea of what was to come. (I have zero background in the works of Mr. Dostoevski, save that I’ve heard he’s kind of a big deal – don’t shoot me! Ask anyone else associated with theatre or literature and they will provide a deeper understanding than my meagre Wikipedia browsing here.) This excellent production of Brothers Karamazov thoroughly impressed us both and we would recommend it without hesitation to anyone – classical theatre aficionado or not.
Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of May 14, 2012
By Sonia Borkar
Five For Twenty (or Less)
This week’s cheap theatre post is all about the kids. The weather is getting warmer, school’s almost out and it’s time for the kids to have some fun. This week a combination of kids shows and a free circus festival make up our cheap theatre post. Get out there and watch something with your favourite youth. Read the rest of this entry »
Eye-Catching Toronto Theatre for the Week of May 14, 2012
By Sonia Borkar
Here is what’s going on in Toronto theatre this week. There are several great shows to catch for the week of May 14, 2012: ** Shows marked with the double asterisks and in red are the ones that make Wayne, our Managing Editor, wish he could exist in multiple parallel universes so he could check them all out. Read the rest of this entry »
Love Notwithstanding (A Vancouver Co-Op)
Views on life, love and relationships can be found in Red Sandcastle Theatre’s Love Notwithstanding in Toronto
Set in the intimate venue of Red Sandcastle Theatre and written and acted by accomplished performer Grant Tilly, Love Notwithstanding gives us an up close and personal glimpse of a relationship at its crossroad.
Combining the talented efforts of two established Toronto actors with a story most people can relate to at one point in their life, this production is engaging and accessible. Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Unspoken (Unspoken Theatre)
By Sonia Borkar
Unspoken, winner of the Hart House Players playwriting contest, plays at Unit 102 in Toronto
I watched Unspoken on Thursday night. I was looking forward to this production as it was pitched to me as a similar play to Crash, a production I saw last week and absolutely loved. So the bar was definitely set high.
After reading about the show I thought Unit 102 would make an excellent venue as it is so small and intimate that the subject matter would seem all the more powerful. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Festival of Ideas and Creation (Canadian Stage)
This year’s free Festival of Ideas and Creation in Toronto is themed ‘sound and music’
I’ve never been to a stage festival before so I went into the Festival of Ideas and Creation (runs from May 9-13) without any expectations. I’ll admit, I was excited for a grab-bag style of evening, with readings and short performances, and lots of variety to keep me interested.
The overall theme at this year’s Festival of Ideas and Creation is sound and music, a theme they stayed true to, based on the three performances I attended. Those who are interested in attending the Festival can choose to see one, or all, performances in the evening and each event is completely free. All you have to do is reserve tickets online before the show, although there is a rush line for last minute tickets. Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Luba, Simply Luba (Pleiades)
By Mira Saraf
Luba Gov of Royal Canadian Air Farce stars in Luba, Simply Luba at the Berkeley Street Theatre
I knew little of Luba Goy, of Royal Canadian Air Farce fame, before coming to her one-woman show on May 10, 2012. Luba, Simply Luba (Pleiades Theatre), playing at the Berkeley Street Theatre, discusses all the people that have helped shaped her life and the woman she is today.
Review: Beyond The Cuckoo’s Nest (YPT)
Beyond the Cuckoo’s Nest at Young People’s Theatre sheds light on mental health issues
My first real, coherent thought, five minutes into Beyond The Cuckoo’s Nest: “The people who made this should make more things. Things that can be appreciated by people who love the theatre.”
My next coherent thought, a couple minutes later: “Thank goodness these people make theatre for teenagers. This is the kind of thing that turns them into people who love theatre.”
Review: The Real World? (Tarragon Theatre)
The Real World? brilliantly captures a dysfunctional family at the Tarragon Theatre
This is by far one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen in years. Tarragon Theatre’s recent production of renowned French-Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay’s The Real World? is an example of outstanding theatre.
Phenomenal acting coupled with an intriguing script and intelligent staging make The Real World? intensely raw and unforgettable. Read the rest of this entry »
Review: Semele (Canadian Opera Company)
By Keira Grant
The Canadian Opera Company’s production of Semele by George Frideric Handel contained a number of surprises, including a black and white documentary film clip, sumo wrestlers and an exceptionally well-endowed donkey. Artistic director Zhang Huan seems to relish taking risks with this Baroque canon staple. Read the rest of this entry »